Chocolate lovers face soaring prices across Spain
Chocolate, one of the world’s most popular indulgences, is becoming increasingly expensive in Spain, with experts warning it could soon be considered a luxury product. From July 2024 to July 2025, chocolate recorded the highest price rise among all food items, according to official data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
The sharp increase is mainly due to the soaring cost of cocoa, the essential raw ingredient, which is currently facing one of the worst supply crises in four decades.
Poor weather conditions in West Africa, plagues affecting crops, and ever-growing global demand have sent prices to record highs. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which produce more than 60% of the world’s cocoa, are experiencing a particularly difficult season, reducing availability on the international market.
The knock-on effect has been immediate. Multinational chocolate brands have already raised their prices, while small independent chocolate makers warn their businesses are under serious threat.
In Europe, where chocolate is a big part of everyday life, shoppers are noticing the difference as bars, truffles, and cocoa powder become steadily more expensive. Analysts say this trend could continue into next year unless production levels improve.
Nikita Harwich, author of History of Chocolate, was blunt: “If prices keep rising, artificial flavourings will be used, and only luxury brands will survive.”
According to INE data, chocolate rose in price by 21.6% between July 2024 and July 2025, making it the fastest-climbing food product. Other staples also became more expensive, with edible oils up 20.4%, coffee rising by 19.8%, and eggs increasing by 18.3%. Beef prices rose by 15.1% year-on-year, while lamb and goat meat went up by 11.7%. Even cocoa powder itself has become 11.3% more costly than a year ago.
The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) has described the situation as the most severe cocoa crisis in 40 years. Although a brief dip in prices was reported in early July thanks to forecasts of a better harvest for the 2025/26 season, costs surged again later in the month as unstable weather in Côte d’Ivoire reignited concerns about supply.
The ICCO has cautioned that, as the new harvest season approaches, climate will remain the most critical factor. Any adverse conditions could have serious consequences for both supply and consumer prices.
For chocolate lovers across Spain and beyond, the once-affordable treat may soon become a costly indulgence.
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